Automation Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Applied Medical is a new-generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute to a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.

Join Applied Medical and be at the forefront of precision medical device manufacturing. As a Manufacturing Design Engineer, you’ll merge engineering creativity with hands-on design expertise, developing equipment and automation solutions to support sub-assembly workflows product integration. In this dynamic, production-facing role, you’ll collaborate with PPD teams, machinists, and cross-functional engineers—applying your CAD skills and mechanical intuition to design tooling, prototype components, and support the build and validation of custom equipment that enhances throughput, quality, and manufacturability across the floor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Equipment & Fixture Design: Design, update, and refine manufacturing equipment, tooling, and fixtures—including custom EOAT components—to support sub-assemblies product integration. Use CAD tools and mechanical design principles to deliver precise, production-ready systems.
• Prototyping & Testing: Develop functional prototypes and test assemblies, including EOAT configurations and mechanical tooling. Validate concepts through hands-on experimentation and refine designs to optimize production outcomes.
• Automation & EOAT Integration: Support automation initiatives by designing and integrating EOAT for robotics and automated systems. Collaborate with automation engineers and PPD teams to implement safe, effective handling solutions for molded components and assemblies.
• CAD Modeling & Documentation: Generate and maintain detailed CAD models, drawings, and design documentation for all equipment and tooling—including EOAT. Ensure compliance with internal standards and support traceability for builds and audits.
• Design for Manufacturability: Apply precision design techniques such as GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure EOAT and fixture designs meet machining and assembly requirements. Work closely with machinists and production teams to optimize manufacturability and reduce failure modes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field

• More than three years of experience in equipment design, automation, or manufacturing engineering

• Hands-on experience with computer-aided design (CAD)

• Understanding of electro-mechanical systems, pneumatics, and sensor integration

• Exposure to EOAT, fixture design, or custom tooling for manufacturing processes

• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams

• Ability to work in both lab and cleanroom environments

• Familiarity with basic design documentation and specification writing

• Comfortable handling multiple design projects concurrently with strong execution focus

• Experience designing industrial automation systems or tooling for sub-assemblies
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision machining
• Familiarity with SAP, PLM, or Product Data Management (PDM) systems
• Experience with prototype testing, ROI analysis, or risk assessments (FMEA)
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for medical devices or ISO-regulated industries

If you're passionate about transforming ideas into precision-engineered solutions, the Manufacturing Design Engineer role at Applied Medical offers the perfect stage. In this hands-on position, you'll play a key role in designing equipment, fixtures, and EOAT systems that drive automation, sub-assembly integration, and production efficiency. Working closely with PPD teams, machinists, and cross-functional engineers, you'll help advance medical device manufacturing through innovative design, rigorous testing, and collaborative problem-solving. Step into a role where creativity meets impact—and help shape the future of healthcare.

• Competitive compensation range: $71,000 - $95,000 / year (California).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Training and mentorship opportunities.
• On-campus wellness activities.
• Education reimbursement program.
• 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
• Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.

All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field

• More than three years of experience in equipment design, automation, or manufacturing engineering

• Hands-on experience with computer-aided design (CAD)

• Understanding of electro-mechanical systems, pneumatics, and sensor integration

• Exposure to EOAT, fixture design, or custom tooling for manufacturing processes

• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams

• Ability to work in both lab and cleanroom environments

• Familiarity with basic design documentation and specification writing

• Comfortable handling multiple design projects concurrently with strong execution focus